Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has recommended including two uncapped fast bowlers in the Indian squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Jaffer believes that alongside the experienced trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, adding Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav could strengthen India's pace attack.
India is set to tour Australia later this year, with the series featuring a high-profile Test match. In preparation, Rohit Sharma's team will play a two-day pink-ball warm-up match before the day-night Test. While Shami is nearing his return, Bumrah and senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are expected to miss the first round of the Duleep Trophy. Before heading to Australia, India will host Bangladesh for a two-Test series starting September 19.
During a recent fan interaction on social media, Jaffer expressed optimism about India's chances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He emphasised that if Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj remain fit, they could lead India's pace attack effectively. Jaffer also suggested that Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav could be valuable additions to the squad. “If Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj stay fit and are able to play most of the series, India has a great chance for success down under. Arshdeep could offer a left-arm option, and Mayank Yadav is a promising dark horse, provided he is fit and available,” Jaffer said.
Mayank Yadav, a fast bowler with the Lucknow Super Giants, made a notable impact in the IPL 2024, clocking speeds of up to 155 kph. He impressed with three wickets for 27 runs in his debut match against the Punjab Kings but was later sidelined by injury for the remainder of the season. Arshdeep Singh, though uncapped in Test cricket, has experience in 8 ODIs and 54 T20Is. Former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram had previously advised Arshdeep to focus on Test cricket following a successful T20 World Cup.